Newswise — If an illness prevents a friend or family member from being home for the holidays, take a little bit of home to the hospital. "Being in the hospital, away from family and festivities, can be a bit unnerving and sad for most people," said Denice Foose, a chaplain in the department of spiritual care and education at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. "Anytime you can bring a holiday ritual into a patient's room, whether it's writing Christmas cards, or reading a favorite holiday story, it can make it feel more like home and make it easier on everyone." Foose adds that giving always makes one feel better, and it doesn't necessarily have to be something you buy. Something as simple as a smile from a family member to another patient or from a patient to an employee who has to work the holiday can make anyone feel more at ease. "People begin to realize that material things are not what matters at the holidays, but instead the health and well-being of family members," Foose said. "Saying little things like 'Is there anything I can do?' can work wonders for the patient and loved ones, whether they are giving or receiving." It can also help to write down or talk about any feelings, positive or negative, the patient is having. "Some family members might be upset they have to spend the holidays at the hospital, and patients might feel guilty about it," Foose explains. "Talking about these feelings will let everyone know how they feel about the situation and in most cases will ease tensions and make for a happier holiday." Nobody wants to be in the hospital for the holidays, but a simple gift and a sense of normalcy can go a long way toward making the experience feel more festive.
Here are some tips for staying in the hospital over the holidays:"¢ Find a holiday special on television and watch it as a family like you would at home."¢ Bring holiday rituals from home into the hospital room, whether it's writing Christmas cards or reading a holiday story."¢ Giving, whether it's a smile or a small gift, to another patient will make everyone feel better."¢ Both patient and family members should talk about their feelings of anger or sadness over not being able to spend the holidays at home."¢ If family members can't make it to the hospital, reach out to hospital volunteers for comfort and companionship.
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